If Pennsylvania designates an area as a Keystone Community, that neighborhood receives priority for revitalization grants from the state. In addition, this NPP would also receive money that Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA) sets aside for community redevelopment; which could be close to $1 million.

Through its "Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods: A Center City Initiative", which is a plan that Allentown is drafting and will use as a guide for any ANIZDA funds and money allocated through the NPP.

The city will submit an application that will details plans for the community. The initial application, which will be submitted on Wednesday and available for public viewing, includes the following provisions for community development:

Improving area housing by demolishing rundown homes, giving facade grants to homeowners that want to improve their property face, and the city buying multi-unit buildings and converting them to single family homes for resale.

Neighborhood infrastructure upgrades through new sidewalks and street lights, building a new community park, repairs to an existing one, and adding pedestrian friendly touches; more benches, new crosswalks, and bicycle racks.

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Edward Carter has more than 10 years' consulting experience for an investment bank firm on Wall Street. He has an MBA with additional degrees in management and technology. He has sat on the board of directors for two technology start-up companies.

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